Luella M. Hewer, 96, Mitchell, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at Firesteel Healthcare Center, Mitchell.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Will Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.
She was born on Sept. 21, 1912, at Letcher to Alfred and Anna Pence.
After graduating in 1930 from Letcher High School, she attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell and graduated in 1932 with a two-year degree in elementary education. She received her bachelor of arts degree in 1968.
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In 1933, she taught rural school for two years in a rural school in Elliot Township in Sanborn County, followed by four more years in Geddes.
On June 1, 1939, she married Arthur Hewer at his uncle's home in Norfolk, Neb.
They farmed in the Letcher area for 63 years.
In 1948, she taught for one year in Letcher, followed in 1963 by eight years in Woonsocket and 12 years at Longfellow School in Mitchell.
In 1974, she was selected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America.
She was a lifelong member of United Church of Christ in Letcher, Letcher Civic Study Club and Mitchell Sweet Adelines.
During the 1950s, she directed the Civic Study Club community plays and Butler Booster 4-H talent presentations for the State Fair.
She is survived by her son, Gary and wife Carol, Ridgecrest, Calif.; a granddaughter, a great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.
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She was preceded in death by her husband, three infants, three brothers, five sisters and many nieces and nephews.
